As one of Quebec, Canada’s six forestry training centers, the Mont-Laurier Vocational School helps prepare a new generation of heavy equipment operators. The non-profit center collaborates with the region’s timber companies to provide students with practical hands-on experience including three months of field training alongside instructors in working logging camps. With a wide variety of equipment at its disposal, (harvesters, loaders, service trucks, simulators, and more) the school offers comprehensive instruction ranging from tree-felling to the operation and maintenance of harvest, loading, transport, and road construction equipment.

Operating heavy equipment within the confines of a timber harvest worksite involves a great deal of danger, responsibility, and stress. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and similar studies, forestry sits atop the list of the most dangerous industries. It’s therefore no surprise that the industry is facing a severe skilled labor shortage. In addition, too many novice workers lack the experience, training, and confidence to safely operate heavy equipment on an active worksite.

With proficient operators in short supply, and because field training is costly and dangerous, logging companies look to training centers to help fill the void. In response, Mont-Laurier has redoubled its commitment to provide the industry with some of most skilled and best prepared foresters.

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